title: Renal function monitoring in patients receiving lithium carbonate.
abstract: As a screening test for renal function, urine concentration was measured following a 12-hour overnight fast in 54 outpatients taking lithium carbonate and 19 patients receiving antidepressant drugs. A significantly greater percentage of lithium patients failed to achieve a maximum urine concentration of 600 mOsm/kg (63% versus 33% in the antidepressant group, p less than .001). This level, a compromise between the sensitivity and specificity of the test, is viewed as a cutoff point for further testing. It is concluded that urine concentration testing is a feasible first-line screen for renal function among lithium-treated patients. Other preliminary studies include routine urinalysis, serum creatinine determination, and estimated creatinine clearance. Second-line testing includes a repeated dehydration test and administration of DDAVP.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects*; D007671:Kidney Concentrating Ability / Q000187:drug effects; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008094:Lithium